Michael was born in Littleton, N.H. in 1951, the son of Ernest and Ina (Leighton) Doolan of Franconia, N.H.

Michael achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America as a young man and used this as a launching point for a career in public service. Michael was a State Fire Instructor and dedicated himself to educating fellow firefighters in fire science and safety; and was active in many fire departments where he lived including Franconia, Lebanon, and Sunapee. Michael retired from his full-time position at the Hanover Fire Department in 2002 after 27 years of service.

After retirement he and his wife enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to his ancestral homeland, Ireland.

Outside of the Fire Service, Michael enjoyed lighthouses, music, carpentry, camping and fishing with his family and grandchildren; and most recently working for the State Park System.

Michael is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Higgins) Doolan; two sons and six grandchildren: Christopher and Sara Doolan of Hartland, Vt. with children, Stella, Ruby and Tate Doolan; Jeffrey and Brigitte Doolan of Southborough, Mass. with children, Joshua, Johnathan and Katherine Doolan; sisters, Cheryl Emery and her husband, Michael of Groveton, N.H., and Lorie Sherburn and her husband, Stanley of Franconia, N.H.; nephews, Jodi and Brandon Sherburn, and Tracy Whipple; his aunt, Thelma Leighton of Colebrook, N.H.; and extended family all across the North Country.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, 1 p.m. at the Church of Christ of Dartmouth College, 40 College Street, Hanover, N.H.